Mary Jane Davies, often called “MJ” or “Grandma,” 93, of Nipoma, Calif., passed away on Thursday Jan. 22, 2015.
She was born in Geneva, Ohio, on Feb. 7, 1921, an only child to Mary York (Chaffee) and Robert Shepard. She attended elementary and high school in Geneva and went on to Kent State University.
A few classes short of a teaching degree, she married the love her life, David Davies in 1943. Mary Jane and David had five children, Carol Lynn Rowlee (Rick) Gail Gavin (David), Diane Foss (Andrew), David Davies (Noreen), and John Robert. She is survived by four of her children and 12 grandchilren: Dawn Kniep (Jeff), Michael Pick (Kim), John Gavin (Stacy), Mathew Gavin, Jesse Gavin (Amie), Lynne Nelson (Brian), Zachary Foss (Jacquie), Thomas Foss (Rachel), Peter Foss (Jessica), Ben Davies (Shanell), Emily Davies and Jake Davies; and 15 great grandchildren: Derrick, Miles, Spenser, Sydney, Leah, Noah, Levi, Caleb, Eva, Gracie Mae, Max, Ezekiel, Avery, Jackson and Ember. She was predeceased by: her son, John Robert; her husband, David; and her parents.
Mary Jane lived her life setting an example of love, kindness, selflessness and faith for all who loved and knew her. Always the first to help those in need, Mary Jane embraced life and cherished her family, friends and church.
Her dedication and kindness taught us how to love. A most faithful passion the past few years was to to pray with and for those in need.
Mary Jane grew up in Ohio and the family moved to Texas and California. After her beloved husband passed, she moved around California, finally spending her last 12 years living with Diane and Andrew. She was happy and blessed to spend her final years receiving the love she so generously gave.
Services will be Jan. 31, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. at Vineyard Christian Fellowship, 200 East Ave., Santa Monica, Calif., 93454. There will also be a Celebration of Life and open house on Feb. 7, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 8830 Somerset Dr., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., 91701.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Food Outreach Benevolence Fund at Vineyard Christian Fellowship.
